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Table of Contents
WRC
First Season
The WRC was established in 1973 by the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile), making it one of the longest-running motorsport competitions.1)
International Reach
The WRC is a global series, featuring rallies on every continent except Antarctica, taking place in diverse locations like forests, mountains, deserts, and city streets.2)
Varied Terrains
WRC cars race on a wide range of surfaces, including gravel, asphalt, snow, and ice, testing the drivers' ability to adapt.3)
The Special Stages
Rally events consist of timed “special stages” on closed roads, with the fastest times determining the overall winner.4)
Co-Driver Role
Every WRC driver has a co-driver who reads out “pace notes,” which describe the upcoming road in extreme detail, guiding the driver at high speeds.5)
The Group B Era
The Group B cars of the 1980s are legendary for their extreme power and lightweight design, leading to some of the fastest, and most dangerous, rallying ever.6)
Group B Ban
Group B was banned in 1987 after several fatal accidents, leading to the introduction of safer regulations in rally car design.7)
Modern Cars
WRC cars today are highly modified versions of road cars, equipped with advanced 4WD systems and turbocharged engines.8)
Colin McRae
One of the sport's most iconic drivers, Scotland’s Colin McRae became the youngest-ever world champion at age 27 in 1995, driving for Subaru.9)
Loeb's Dominance
Sébastien Loeb holds the record for the most WRC titles, winning nine consecutive championships from 2004 to 2012.10)
Sébastien Ogier
Another French rally legend, Sébastien Ogier, has won eight world championships as of 2023, making him the second-most successful driver in WRC history.11)
Manufacturer Rivalries
Teams like Subaru, Ford, Toyota, Hyundai, and Citroën have battled for the top spot over the years, with Citroën having dominated the sport during the Loeb era.12)
Rally Finland
Known for its high-speed gravel roads and big jumps, Rally Finland is one of the most popular and challenging events on the WRC calendar.13)
Monte Carlo Rally
The Monte Carlo Rally, which dates back to 1911, is the oldest and one of the most prestigious events in WRC, famous for its unpredictable weather.14)
Longest Rally
The 1974 Safari Rally, which took place in Kenya, was the longest event in WRC history, covering over 5,000 kilometers.15)